Skip to main content

Table 3 Sample strategies to prevent medication errors

From: Clinical review: Medication errors in critical care

Optimize the medication process
   1. Medication standardization
   2. Computerized physician order entry and clinical decision support
   3. Bar code technology
   4. Computerized intravenous infusion devices
   5. Medication reconciliation
Eliminate situational risk factors
   1. Avoid excessive consecutive and cumulative working hours
   2. Minimize interruptions and distractions
   3. Trainee supervision and graduated responsibility
Oversight and error interception
   1. Intensivist participation in ICU care
   2. Adequate staffing
   3. Pharmacist participation in ICU care
   4. Incorporation of quality assurance into academic education
  1. ICU, intensive care unit.
Back to article page